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December 28, 2018
19th of Tevet, 5779
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Candle Lighting at 5:20 PM
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Transcending Exile
When Moshe returns to Egypt from his stay in Midian, the Torah tells us that
ויקח משה את אשתו ואת בניו וירכבם על החמר וישב ארצה מצרים, which is routinely translated as, "And Moshe took his wife and his sons and rode them on a donkey and returned to Egypt. There is,however, a Chasidic understanding which interprets the pasuk differently: Moshe took his wife and sons and taught them how to "ride above," or transcend the חמר - not the donkey, but the material world. In other words, Moshe began his mission to redeem the Jews by teaching his immediate family that even in times of stress, and even in the midst of exile, we have the ability to rise above our conditions and imagine a more beautiful, noble, and and spiritual existence.
This past weekend, KYHS experienced a transcendent shabbaton as we sang together, learned together, and grew more mindful together. Thank you to Rabbi Wolk, Mrs. Hochner, and the entire team of teachers who put together such an amazing shabbaton. And thank you to the Highlites staff for making sure that the broader community is able to get a glimpse of what makes KYHS so special.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Jonathan Kroll
Head of School
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Upcoming Events
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GSOC vs. South Fl Heat-3:30
BJVBVs. HA @ KYHS-4:30
BVSOC vs South FL Heat @ Boca JCC
6:00
GVBBALL vs. HA @ KYHS 6:00
BVBALL vs. HA @KYHS 7:30
All Games will be Live streamed
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Good & Welfare
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Births
Zack ('10) and Shira Baratz on the birth of their son, Chaim Yehuda. Mazel Tov to grandparents, KYHS Past President
Lisa and Phil Baratz
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Reconnection Retreat
Mindfulness-themed Shabbaton Filled With Fun And Inspiration
Graphic by Joshua Bernten ('20) and Mayrav Saketkhou ('20)
Article by Yaakov Eisenmann ('20)
"The most fun, meaningful, and inspirational event of my life," is how one KYHS student described this year's school-wide Fujiwhara Shabbaton. Last Friday afternoon, students arrived at the Orlando Hilton Altamonte Springs hotel where they quickly prepared for Shabbos and participated in a kumsitz led by Simcha Leiner. Later that evening, students had the privilege of hearing from Mrs. Kanner about recognizing the potential of every Jew and treating others with respect.
After dinner, students broke into groups to discuss priorities and mindfulness, the theme of the Shabbaton. To round out the evening, everyone gathered in a circle for another kumzitz which included singing and Divrei Torah delivered by Shayla Saida ('22) and Tans Rosen ('21). Simcha Leiner led a post-kumsitz tisch where cholent and potato kugel were served. After a choice of minyanim on Shabbat morning, Rabbi Kroll delivered a speech, introducing everyone to the NO-tification initiative, which is all about paying less attention to texts, emails, and other distractions produced by electronics, and more attention to the amazing people and stunning world that surround us.
Before lunch, students attended teacher-led discussions about various aspects of mindfulness. Following lunch, another circle featured singing paired with Divrei Torah by Mendy Gilinski ('22) and Shirel Garzon ('19). During free-time, many students and teachers hung out in the lobby chatting and playing games. There was also a group of students, led by Rabbi Kimche, who sang heartwarming melodies in the stairwell to maximize the acoustic impact. Before Seudah Shlishit, each grade participated in its own KYHS-themed game of Apples to Apples. Then, boys and girls split up for their separate kumsitzes as Shabbos came to an end and the evening concluded with Simcha Leiner's havdalah in a room filled with ruach.
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Students Participate In Gameshow And Dance At Rocking Concert
Graphic by Mayrav Saketkhou ('20)
Article by Aleksandra Shapiro ('21)
This past Shabbat, we had the honor of hosting the amazing Jewish singer Simcha Leiner, who joined us on the annual KYHS Shabbaton. Following Simcha Leiner's beautiful Shabbat davening and havdalah, the famous Avi Frier of Hollywood, Florida brought the gameshows to Orlanda! We played KYHS themed games that tested our school knowledge, resulting in uproarious laughter in the room. Frier's charm and humor gave the night a light-hearted feel in preparation for Simcha Leiner's concert where he played his biggest hits, even his Hebrew version of "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman! Everyone had so much fun dancing, cheering, and singing along. Having Simcha Leiner on the Shabbaton greatly enhanced the experience for the student body and staff. We were so happy to have one of the biggest names in Jewish music join us!
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Students Enjoy Fun Filled Day At Universal
Graphic by Naomi Reichemberg ('22) and Chana Schandelson ('22)
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Bring Your Parent To School Day
Students And Parents Gather For A Day Of Learning
G
raphic by Highlites Staff
Article by Ariella Greenberg ('22)
Parents and students gathered for our annual Yom Iyun on Tuesday. Students arrived in the morning with their parents and shared a meaningful davening, followed by breakfast. Numerous classes were offered, continuing the theme of
mindfulness,
which we learned about throughout the wonderful Shabbaton. Within this theme, topics ranged from from mindful meditation to understanding the Israeli-Arab conflict. After the lessons, attendees were invited into the Beit Midrash to hear from Rabbi Goldberg, who gave a thoughtful shiur about the importance of mindfulness. The Yom Iyun was an incredible experience for parents and students to grow and learn together. We are already counting down the days until next year's annual Yom Iyun event!
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Wise Elders Return With Collegial Advice
Mrs. Roberts Moderates Panel Of Former KYHS Students Offering Advice On Religious Life In College
G
raphic by Shmuel Gross ('19)
Article by Al Dimont ('20)
This past Wednesday, juniors and seniors had the privilege of hearing from alumni about their experiences in colleges nationwide. Mrs. Roberts questioned the panel about anxieties for upperclassmen heading off to college soon. For example, Mrs. Roberts asked the panel about being able to keep Shabbat on campus. Most of the panelists responded that there are difficulties, but colleges are pretty accommodating in terms of supplying alternative room keys for electronic doors and having nice Shabbat minyanim and meals. Also, most professors understand if one has to retake a test due to a religious holiday. Another hot topic was the issue of anti-semitism and anti-Israel movements. Most panelists responded that they had never encountered any significant struggles in this area. However, Hannah Katz ('15), an undergraduate at Barnard College, explained that the best way to combat this is through respectful conversation. Often people who spread anti-Israel rhetoric believe they are making the world a better place and just don't know the facts. She highlighted that if you explain your opinion, people can be fairly open to discussion. Lana Rosenthal ('17), a panelist who attends the University of Pennsylvania, explained that her roommate has a difference of opinion in terms of Israel. They are still friends, though, and have made that the one discussion that is completely off limits. Making friends was not hard for these alumni, as long as they put themselves out there. They explained that if you get involved, you will meet many new people. Katz explained that through different clubs and classes, she was able to make friends from all over the world, including Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Another important topic was spending a year in Israel. Most of the panelists spent a year in Israel and shared what they each believe to be the benefits of a gap year in Israel. Didi Malka ('18) explained that a year in Israel was not for him, and he wanted to get his life started. He told us not to weigh our decisions carefully, like he did. In all, the alumni program was a great success. We thank the panelists from UCF, the University of Maryland, Brandeis University, Barnard College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Washington University in Saint Louis for sharing their wisdom.
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Aging Faculty Wins Narrow Victory Over Sprightly JV Team
G
raphic by Benny Keehn ('22) and Dvora Lome ('22)
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Sara's Scoop: Don't Worry, Be Happy
Don't Wallow In Rejectionist Despair, Delight In The Opportunities Of The Future!
Graphic by Highlites Staff
Article by Sara Deichman ('19)
All seniors know that Early Decision season comes to a close at this time of year.
No matter if the answer they received in the form of an email was a
yes
,
no
, or
maybe
, seniors are contemplating the future that has slowly (or abruptly) taken shape before them. Lockers have been decorated, consolation ice cream has been bought, and many students have shaken their heads, realizing they are going to have to wait a few more months to hear their admissions decision.
Staring the future in the eye is a scary thing for any high-schooler to do.
I would know. It presents a series of prioritizing passions and understanding oneself, and if the mid-December decision was a
no
, your favorite overachieving senior may just be groveling in what could have been. Or maybe your successful senior looks at their acceptance and wonders if four years at an intense college is really what they most desire. I can't say I've done this before, but I can say it all makes sense. To reiterate what the college guidance team wrote at the beginning of the month to all seniors,
there is a life beyond college.
Mrs. Roberts explained, "Many students eager to attend College X are turned down and instead find themselves ecstatic at College Y. We have seen that happen time and again when joyful graduates come back to tell us how glad they now are that they did
not
get in to the college they
thought
was their first choice because they are so happy at the college they do attend." Furthermore, a look at declining acceptance rates, year after year, can surely answer your cry to the world.
The crisis of students relying on colleges to define their worth is a plague affecting teenagers all across the country. Students work hard for four years just to work hard for another four, but the ultimate and most fulfilling goal to work toward should be
happiness
.
Maybe your dreams do come true in a prestigious library. Don't worry though if that isn't quite your personality; college holds more potential than the studying you did in high school. You'll mold your character, learn new skills, maybe even go abroad, and hopefully pick up a degree along the way. And here's the best part of it all:
You're going to get into
a
college.
Even if it does not align with your vision right now, it will. I know I'm simply a senior, but even I can see that the name of an Ivy League college on a diploma does not inherently make a student more hard-working, valuable, or intelligent than another. It's all in the hands of God, and what's ahead might just be the most beautiful part of the rest of your life. So keep your eyes open for both acceptance letters and the limitless opportunities that will surely follow, no matter where you end up.
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Ask Adina
Hear Sage Advice From An Experienced Senior
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January 1st is approaching quickly. What New Year's resolutions should I set for the rest of the school year, and how can I accomplish my goals for this year?
-New Year, New Me
Hi!
New Year's resolutions are a great way to think about how you want to improve yourself over the course of the next year. Your goal can involve exercising, being more on top of school work, davening more, learning more Torah, becoming more involved, or anything you think you could work on.
You know yourself, so think out a realistic plan that will work for YOU.
Be specific and break down a bigger goal into smaller goals that you can actually achieve in increments. Don't be afraid to push yourself and set big goals. Celebrate your steps toward achieving your goal, and don't be hard on yourself if you can't accomplish your goal initially! Being hopeful and believing in your goal is the only way to be successful.
Can't wait to see everything you accomplish this year :)
Sincerely,
Adina
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Additional Videos to Watch:
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This Week in Pictures
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The Yeshiva Highlites Staff
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